TITLE:
Schwannoma of the Nasal Septum: A Case Report and Literature Review
AUTHORS:
Zixin Ma, Lanquan Li, Changzheng Shi
KEYWORDS:
Schwannoma, Nasal Septum, Nasal Tumor, Misdiagnosis, Imaging Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.13 No.11,
November
24,
2025
ABSTRACT: Schwannoma is a benign tumor originating from Schwann cells in the peripheral nerve sheath, first described by Virchow in 1908. These tumors typically grow slowly and rarely undergo malignant transformation. Schwannomas can occur throughout the body, with the head and neck being the most common sites (accounting for approximately 25% - 45%). However, primary schwannomas originating in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are relatively uncommon, representing less than 4% of head and neck schwannomas. Schwannomas located in the nasal septum are particularly rare. This report describes a 23-year-old female patient admitted for recurrent left-sided epistaxis with nasal obstruction. Imaging studies revealed a well-defined soft tissue mass within the left nasal cavity, considered benign, with differential diagnoses including nasal polyps and inverted papilloma. The patient underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for complete tumor resection. Postoperative pathology confirmed a schwannoma. The patient has recovered well and is undergoing long-term follow-up. Due to the rarity and lack of specific clinical manifestations of this condition, preoperative diagnosis is challenging and may be misinterpreted as other benign nasal tumors. This case report enhances clinical awareness of the diverse presentations of nasal septal schwannomas and underscores the importance of preoperative differential diagnosis.